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AFC confirm Lebanon withdrawal from Asian Cup

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today confirmed through their Competitions Committee that they have accepted Lebanon's request to withdraw from the qualifiers for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. The group will now just include Australia, Bahrain and Kuwait.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today confirmed through their Competitions Committee that they have accepted Lebanon's request to withdraw from the qualifiers for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.

Australia's qualifying group which included Lebanon along with Bahrain and Kuwait will now be a pool of three nations with Kuwait's 1-1 draw with Lebanon declared null and void.

The Socceroos were scheduled to play Lebanon at Adelaide Oval on 31 August and again in Beirut on 15 November.

"We accept the decision of the AFC Competitions Committee and our sympathy and best wishes go to the Lebanon FA. We hope that they can restore normal working operations as soon a possible.," said Mr John O'Neill.

"We're very disappointed for the sporting fans of South Australia who have given great support to Adelaide United and the recent AFC Asian's Women's Championships. I'd like to also thank the South Australian Government and SACA for their enthusiasm and support in bringing the Socceroos to Adelaide."

"The FFA will continue to work with Events SA to create an opportunity for the Socceroos to play in Adelaide as soon as possible."

Sports fans that have already purchased tickets to the Australia vs. Lebanon match at Adelaide Oval can obtain a refund by the following methods:

Tickets purchased by Credit Card

Customers who purchased tickets by credit card will automatically have the purchase refunded to their credit card from Tuesday 8 August. This process may take up to 14 days to complete.

Tickets purchased by Cash

Customers who paid by cash can either post their tickets to:

VenueTix
P O Box 3252
Rundle Mall
Adelaide 5000. (Please include your name and address in envelope).
A cheque for the total ticket price will be returned via mail.

Customers can also receive a cash refund in person by visiting:
VenueTix Outlet
Da Costa Arcade
Ground Floor
68 Grenfell St
Adelaide from Tuesday 8 August. Trading hours for this outlet are 9am-5.30pm Monday-Friday. No other VenueTix outlet will be able to offer a refund.

Customers who paid by cash are required to obtain their refund by one of the above methods by Thursday 31 August 2006.

Any refund enquiries should be directed to VenueTix on (08) 8225 8888.